Israeli Michelin Chef Eyal Shani - Uniting Humanity Through Food
Being Jewish with Jonah Platt
Intro
This chapter explores the challenges faced by a chef leading a diverse team amid political unrest. It highlights the emotional connections between food, community, and resilience in overcoming adversity.
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In this deliciously inspiring episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with world-renowned Israeli Chef Eyal Shani — the culinary visionary behind Miznon, HaSalon, Malkah, and dozens of other Israeli restaurants around the globe. As a ninth-generation Jerusalemite with no formal culinary training, Chef Eyal has redefined Israeli cuisine and hospitality while carrying out a mission much bigger than food– spreading positive energy, peace, and connection with each bite. Just days after the horrific October 7th attack, Chef Eyal was awarded the coveted Michelin star for his New York restaurant Shmone, but chose not to attend the ceremony. Why? He was busy cooking thousands of meals for soldiers on the Gaza border, embodying his belief that food is truly about people, not prizes.
Together, Jonah and Chef Eyal explore:
- Why he treats every ingredient — from cucumbers to prime rib — as a living “creature” with a will and a story
- The night violent anti-Israel agitators attacked the Melbourne branch of his restaurant Miznon, and how Lebanese neighbors saved his team’s lives
- How his deep connection to the Palestinian women of the Jerusalem markets inspired his earliest dishes
- Why he believes food can reunite Israelis and Palestinians — and create “a new Israel” after war
- His vision for opening a boutique hotel and restaurant on the Gaza border as a symbol of renewal
Chef Shani’s philosophy is radical yet simple: there are no borders in food, only human beings. Don’t miss this extraordinary conversation with a chef whose cooking has become a language of hope. Listen to the full episode now and be part of the conversation.
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All Things Chef Eyal!
- Chef Eyal Shani’s Instagram
- Chef Eyal Shani’s Restaurant Miznon
- Chef Eyal Shani’s Restaurant HaSalon
- Chef Eyal Shani’s Restaurant Malka
- Chef Eyal Shani’s Restaurant Shmoné
Host & Production Team
Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew "MoJo" Jones; Content Director: Alexandra Fugère; Associate Producer: Sean Leviashvili); Story Producer: Sasha Nelson; Editor: Kai Patterson; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Graphic Designer: Noah Bell; Production Assistant: Emma Webb; Theme Music by Gabriel Mann
MENTIONED IN EPISODE
- Melbourne’s Minzon Attacked by Pro-Hamas Protestors
- Lebanese Brothers From Minzon’s Neighboring Restaurant Intervene to Protect Minzon
- Iranian Missile Strikes on Israel
- Chef Eyal Shani Receives Michelin Star for Restaurant Shmone
- Chef Eyal Shani Cooks for IDF Troops the Same Day He Wins Michelin Star
- Timeline of The History of Jerusalem
- Chef Eyal Shani Set To Open Restaurant Near Kibbutz Nir Am
- Madame Lalou Bize-Leroy
- Where to find Leroy Borgougne Rouge
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